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Streisand’s views on Obama and the election…

Politico.com submitted a list of questions to Barbra Streisand’s website and the superstar/political activist ended up replying with her most wide-ranging answers on the election issues and the presidential candidates to date.

You’re a loyal Democrat and supported Hillary Clinton’s run for the presidency. Was switching allegiance to Barack Obama simple and instantaneous for you, or did you have to overcome some difficult feelings about him?
We had a very deep bench of Democratic Presidential candidates in the primary, and we were very lucky to finally have two capable, dynamic and intelligent candidates vying to be the nominee. Supporting Senator Obama for President was an immediate decision for me after Senator Clinton ended her bid for the Democratic nomination. Throughout this process, they challenged each other to be better. It was a historical race, with Hillary breaking through that glass ceiling for all women and Barack inspiring young kids that they can overcome their circumstances to reach greatness.

What would you say to Hillary supporters who might be moving to vote for McCain, a number estimated to be around 10-15% of Senator Clinton’s fans?
I would urge those voters to take a step back and realize that our country is at an extremely serious crossroad. We are on the verge of a recession, we are grappling with global climate change and experiencing record high gas prices. Our young men and women are still dying in Iraq and so many Americans are still living without health insurance. There is too much at stake right now to elect another George W. Bush to the White House. And John McCain is just that. He has stated that the issue of economics is not something he’s understood as well as he should. He does not support reproductive rights for women, increased veteran’s benefits and ending the war in Iraq. There is just no reason for Senator Clinton’s supporters not to back Senator Obama.

How do you think the election will play itself out over the next four months, and how do you think the subject of race will continue to be a factor?
As we head toward November, I think the race will continue to be close–although I hope I am wrong. But this country likes tight races and I am afraid it will ultimately come down to which campaign turns out the most voters on Election Day. I want to believe that our country can see beyond race as a factor in voting for a Presidential candidate…that instead, a candidate’s intellect, vision, political values and policies override any consideration of his skin color. But on some level, it would be naive to think that race will not be a factor. I do believe, however, that there is much less racism, sexism and homophobia among the younger generation and that we have come a very long way.